The St. Joe County Public Library is located on downtown South Bend's Main Street, just a short trip away from Notre Dame's campus.
The library was renamed and reopened in 2021 after major renovations. The St. Joe County Public Library features the Main Library, Community Learning Center, digital media studio and local and family history department along with nine branch locations situated throughout the county.
The library strives to connect people in the community through resources such as meeting spaces, study rooms and public internet computers. In 2023, there were 708,289 visits to the St. Joe libraries and over 2,000,000 materials checked out.
Additionally, the St. Joe County Public Library collaborates with Notre Dame for a variety of different programs. Without having to step foot off campus, students and faculty can access resources from the St. Joe County Public Library, which is the closest public library to the University.
“The library has a strong community partnership with Notre Dame, which includes the University's participation in library programs such as Science Alive,” assistant manager of Collection Development Amy Vicsik said.
The St. Joe County Public Library offers card registration at the Hesburgh Library, as well as provides access to their databases. Members of the tri-campus community can pick up St. Joe County Public Library cards at the circulation desk in the Hesburgh Library.
The St. Joe County Public Library also presents the Hesburgh Library as a material pickup location. Students and faculty can pick up books, CDs and other products there.
“We also offer a browsing collection of primarily adult and children’s fiction titles at Hesburgh Library,” Vicsik said.
Students within the tri-campus community also help with the Tax Assistance Program.
“Notre Dame and Saint Mary's economics and accounting students assist patrons with tax assistance each year at the Main Library,” customer service manager Kris Springer said.
Additionally, many opportunities between Notre Dame and the St. Joe County Public Library involve educational programming.
“Examples include Our Universe Revealed, in partnership with the College of Science and IUSB, and youth programs in partnership with the Notre Dame Rocketry Club,” education and programming manager Melody Lutz said.
These programs offer members of the South Bend community intentional learning opportunities.
The St. Joe County Public Library has also significantly benefited the greater South Bend Community. In 2023, a community freezer was implemented in the library and has provided over 3,000 free meals. In collaboration with the City of South Bend’s Energy Assistance Solar Savings Initiative, the library was able to add over 100 solar panels.
With the core values of collaboration and respect, the library strives to recognize the contribution of all members of the community. Furthermore, the library's staff aim to foster a positive environment welcoming to all community members.
“We're here to serve our community and connect them with resources, services, other community organizations and with each other,” Springer said.
